Singapore (17 January 2018) – The 2018 APAC Effie Awards has appointed Sameer Desai and Silas Lewis-Meilus as the next two Heads of Jury.

Sameer Desai is the Global Head of Consusmer Healthcare for Mundipharma. With over 22 years of experience in FMCG, Consumer Healthcare and Pharma, while being based in Mumbai, Dubai, London and Singapore, Sameer has a proven track record for growing brands into dominant market positions across different categories and geographies.

Prior to joining Mundipharma, Sameer spent 12 years in both Pharma and Consumer Healthcare for GSK where he was the Marketing Head of Middle East, Commercial Head of Dermatology for Asia, as well as the Global Innovation Director. Sameer was a marketer with P&G, Kellogg’s and Friesland Campina prior to his time at GSK. He is also the Regional VP Asia for the World Federation of Advertisers and sits on its Global Executive Board.

Commenting on his appointment, Sameer said “Marketing is getting ever more complex, and the ability to create campaigns that build brands and businesses is getting more difficult. So, it’s an honor and a great responsibility to be appointed Head of Jury for the APAC Effie’s to select the best works in the region as they are the only awards that truly award campaign effectiveness and not just creativity. I hope to see more “Digital-first” and maybe even “Mobile-first” campaigns from smaller brands in this year’s entries”.

Silas Lewis-Meilus is the Global Media Lead for McDonald’s. In this role, he manages a team of subject matter experts who work to drive systemic improvements in the media space across strategy, attributable growth, effectiveness and efficiency. The team’s focus is driving transformation in the McDonald’s approach to media through the application of data-backed media solutions, digital innovation, global partnerships and local market upskilling. Prior to this role he managed McDonald’s Global digital engagement teams in Singapore and London overseeing social, CRM merchandising, marketing and media.

Prior to joining McDonald’s in 2015, Silas managed McDonald’s regional business at OMD Singapore. He began his career in London and New York in the Agency side of the business, working for companies like Mindshare, Universal McCann and Ogilvy.

“In a world of style over substance, the Effies remain truest to the notion of celebrating great marketing work which drives an organization’s business. It is my honour to be a part of the process of selecting Asia’s most effective campaigns in 2017 and I look forward to seeing the brilliant thinking this part of the world is famous for producing,” Silas said.

The APAC Effies Award spotlights marketing Ideas that Work, and recognise any and all forms of marketing communication that contribute to a brand’s success. The final Heads of Jury and full jury line-up will be announced progressively. Stay tuned for more updates via www.apaceffie.com.